Implementation of a Low-Complexity Frame-Start Detection Algorithm for MIMO Systems

Abstract

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems require well-designed synchronization schemes in the receiver to meet stringent QoS requirements. In particular, OFDM modulation is very sensitive to timing synchronization errors, which cause inter-symbol interference. This paper describes a frame-start detection algorithm, which relies on received signal power increase and does not require any special properties of the transmitted signal. The performance is analyzed and then, verified through simulations in a MIMO system employing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. Finally, a low-complexity FPGA implementation of the presented algorithm is described in detail.